MARSHFIELD, Mass. - The New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) men's division has entered into a scheduling agreement with Daniel Webster College for the 2016-17 season. The addition of Daniel Webster will maintain the traditional 18-game league schedule for the NEHC despite University of New England's departure to the Commonwealth Coast Conference.

"The NEHC is excited to welcome Daniel Webster as a scheduling partner for the 2016-17 season," stated NEHC Commissioner Katie Boldvich. "Bringing their program on board in this capacity will allow the NEHC to maintain its traditional number of league contests next season and also provide Daniel Webster with a strong schedule against formidable opponents in New England."

The Eagles will play members of the NEHC twice, once home and once away, guaranteeing them nine home games for next season. Conway Arena in Nashua, N.H. currently serves as the home rink for their program.

"We are extremely pleased to accept the opportunity to enter into this agreement with the NEHC," noted DWC Director of Athletics Chris Gilmore. "These Colleges and Universities all own rich hockey histories and are among the very best the Division III landscape has to offer. We look forward to building a strong relationship with them over the years to come."

2015-16 marked the inaugural season for Daniel Webster's men's ice hockey team as an NCAA Division III program. Prior to this season their program competed at the club level, reaching the finals last season in the Northeast Collegiate Hockey Association tournament. The Eagles currently compete as an independent program and sit at 3-9 on the season.

"As a program we're happy and excited to enter into this agreement with the NEHC," added Eagle Head Coach Eric McCambly. "Being presented with the opportunity to play some of the best programs in the nation is a significant elevation for our young program and we look forward to strengthening our relationship with these programs in the years to come."

The NEHC wrapped up the 2015 portion of their schedule this past weekend in nonconference action. Babson College and University of Massachusetts Boston currently sit atop the league standings, both at 6-0-0. The league was also well represented heading into the holiday break in the latest USCHO poll with Babson (No. 2), UMass Boston (No. 5) and Norwich University (No. 12) all ranked in the top 15 and New England College receiving votes.

For more information on the NEHC please visit www.nehockeyconference.com